Births on May 6

Willie Mays, American baseball player and coach

Willie Howard Mays Jr., affectionately known throughout the baseball world as "The Say Hey Kid" and also "Buck," stands as a towering figure in the annals of American professional baseball. Born on May 6, 1931, his legacy as a center fielder is unparalleled, making him a consensus choice among the greatest baseball players of all time. For a remarkable 22 seasons in Major League Baseball (MLB), Mays graced the diamond, predominantly with the iconic New York and later San Francisco Giants, from 1951 to 1952 and then continuously from 1954 to 1972. He concluded his illustrious playing career with the New York Mets, playing for them during the latter part of 1972 and the 1973 season. His extraordinary contributions to the sport were formally recognized with his election to the prestigious Baseball Hall of Fame in 1979, an honor that merely cemented what fans and peers already knew: Mays was truly special.

Early Days and the Path to the Majors

Before his dazzling ascent in MLB, Mays honed his prodigious talents in the Negro American League. In 1948, he joined the Birmingham Black Barons, a team rich in history and talent, showcasing his nascent skills in a league that, at the time, was a vital cornerstone of professional baseball for Black athletes in America. He played with the Black Barons until 1950, when, upon graduating from high school, he was signed by the New York Giants. This marked a pivotal moment, not just for Mays, but for the integration of baseball, as he transitioned from the segregated leagues to the grand stage of the majors, following in the footsteps of pioneers like Jackie Robinson.

A Star is Born: Rookie of the Year and "The Catch"

Mays’ arrival in the MLB was nothing short of spectacular. In his debut year of 1951, he quickly demonstrated why he was considered a generational talent, earning the coveted National League (NL) Rookie of the Year Award. However, his burgeoning career faced a brief but significant interruption. Like many young men of his era, Mays answered the call of duty, spending two years serving in the United States Army during the Korean War, which saw him miss most of the 1952 and all of the 1953 seasons. His return to the Giants in 1954 was triumphant. He not only led the National League in batting with an impressive .345 batting average but also captured his first NL Most Valuable Player (MVP) Award. That same year, he etched his name into baseball lore with one of the most iconic defensive plays ever witnessed: "The Catch." In Game 1 of the 1954 World Series against the Cleveland Indians, Mays, with his back to home plate, made an astounding over-the-shoulder grab of a deep fly ball hit by Vic Wertz in the vast expanse of the Polo Grounds' center field. This play, celebrated for its difficulty and Mays' incredible athleticism, is still replayed and revered today. The Giants went on to sweep the Cleveland Indians, securing the only World Series championship of Mays' magnificent career.

Dominance and the Move West

The mid-1950s saw Mays establish himself as the game's preeminent all-around player. In 1955, he showcased his power by leading the NL with 51 home runs (HR). The following year, demonstrating his incredible speed and base-running prowess, he stole 40 bases, leading the NL for the first of four consecutive seasons. His defensive brilliance was recognized in 1957 when he won the first of his record-setting 12 Gold Glove Awards for an outfielder, a testament to his unparalleled skill in center field. That year also marked a significant transition for the franchise; after the 1957 season, the New York Giants made the historic move to San Francisco, bringing Mays' electrifying brand of baseball to the West Coast. Despite the change in scenery, Mays' performance remained consistently stellar. In 1958, he contended fiercely for the batting title, ultimately finishing with a career-high .347 average. He continued to bat over .300 for the next two seasons, leading the league in hits in 1960. The 1960s were equally kind to Mays, as he led the NL with 129 runs scored in 1961. In 1962, his leadership and power were instrumental as he led the NL in home runs, guiding the Giants to the NL pennant, where they faced the mighty New York Yankees in a thrilling World Series that unfortunately saw the Giants fall in a dramatic seven-game battle. By 1963, Mays' superstar status was reflected in his earnings, as he signed a then-record $105,000 contract for the season, a testament to his value in an era when such figures were astronomical. His influence extended beyond his statistics; in 1964, manager Alvin Dark formally recognized his leadership by naming him the Giants' captain. Mays continued to terrorize opposing pitchers, leading the NL with 47 home runs that year, a feat he surpassed the following season by hitting 52 round-trippers, once again leading the NL and earning his second well-deserved MVP award. The 1966 season marked the last of his impressive 10 seasons where he accumulated over 100 runs batted in (RBI), showcasing his consistent run-producing ability.

Milestones and Farewell Tour

As the years progressed, Mays continued to reach significant career milestones. In 1969, he joined an exclusive club of sluggers by hitting the 600th home run of his career, a monumental achievement. Just a year later, in 1970, he further cemented his legacy by collecting his 3,000th career hit, demonstrating his longevity and consistent ability to make contact. In 1972, in a move that signaled the twilight of his playing career, Mays was traded to the New York Mets. He spent the remainder of that season and the entire 1973 season with the Mets, providing veteran leadership and glimpses of his former brilliance before ultimately announcing his retirement from playing. His connection to baseball didn't end with his playing days; he continued to serve the Mets as a coach until 1979, sharing his vast knowledge with a new generation of players. Later, he returned to his beloved Giants organization, taking on a distinguished role as a special assistant to the president and general manager, ensuring his wisdom and experience continued to benefit the sport.

A Legacy Beyond Compare

Willie Mays concluded his magnificent career with a .302 batting average, an incredible 660 home runs – which, at the time of his retirement, ranked third all-time and still stands as the sixth-most of all time – 3,283 hits, and 1,903 runs batted in. Beyond his offensive prowess, his defensive mastery in center field is legendary; he holds MLB records for the most putouts by an outfielder (7,095) and the most extra-inning home runs (22), truly embodying the "five-tool player." His consistent excellence was recognized by his peers and fans alike through an astounding 24 All-Star Game selections, tying for the second-most in MLB history. His unparalleled impact on the game was further acknowledged in 1999 when he was named to the prestigious Major League Baseball All-Century Team. Renowned sports publication The Sporting News further solidified his status, ranking him second on their "List of the 100 Greatest Baseball Players," placing him just behind the immortal Babe Ruth. In a fitting tribute to a national treasure, President Barack Obama presented him with the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2015, recognizing not just his athletic achievements but his enduring cultural significance. Willie Mays remains a legend whose influence transcends statistics, a true icon of American sports.

FAQs

What were Willie Mays' most famous nicknames?

Willie Mays was widely known as "The Say Hey Kid," a nickname believed to have originated from his enthusiastic greeting style, often saying "Say hey" to everyone he met. He was also sometimes referred to as "Buck."

What is considered Willie Mays' most iconic play?

His most iconic play is undoubtedly "The Catch" from Game 1 of the 1954 World Series. It was an over-the-shoulder basket catch of a deep fly ball hit by Vic Wertz, made with his back to home plate in the vast center field of the Polo Grounds. This seemingly impossible grab not only saved runs but is often cited as one of the greatest defensive plays in baseball history.

How many World Series championships did Willie Mays win?

Willie Mays won one World Series championship in his career, which came in 1954 with the New York Giants. They swept the Cleveland Indians in that series.

Which teams did Willie Mays play for during his professional career?

Before joining Major League Baseball, Willie Mays played for the Birmingham Black Barons of the Negro American League. In MLB, he spent the vast majority of his career with the New York/San Francisco Giants (1951–1952, 1954–1972) and concluded his playing days with the New York Mets (1972–1973).

When was Willie Mays inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame?

Willie Mays was deservedly elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1979, his first year of eligibility.

What were some of Willie Mays' most significant career achievements and records?

Among his many achievements, Mays recorded 660 career home runs (sixth all-time), 3,283 hits, and 1,903 runs batted in. He holds MLB records for most putouts by an outfielder (7,095) and most extra-inning home runs (22). He was a 24-time All-Star, a 12-time Gold Glove Award winner (a record for outfielders), a two-time NL MVP, and the 1951 NL Rookie of the Year.